Thanks for your reply but I already have the custom field setup. My problem how do I use the field to control the number of posts in my query (point taken about not using query_posts but can we stick with it for now).
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AbsFeb 20 '14 at 14:08

The code above should do everything you want. Please clarify what doesn't work for you.
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kraftnerFeb 20 '14 at 14:09

I won't be able to try the code till tonight but not sure where your code should go in relation to mine (in place of it? after it ? before it?). Also, I have other similar loops in the same template page (hence the rewind_posts), is this a problem?
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AbsFeb 20 '14 at 14:25

Add the other loops to your question as this might be relevant. Also I updated my answer.
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kraftnerFeb 20 '14 at 14:28

Thank you, other loop exactly the same but pulling from another post type or a specific category but generally the same in terms of structure (again I won't be able to try code till tonight but I appropriate your help)
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AbsFeb 20 '14 at 14:31